Executive Vice-President Roxana Mînzatu, in a written answer on 3 July 2026, confirmed that music umbrella organisations will be able to seek financial support under the next Erasmus+ and AgoraEU programmes, part of the 2028-2034 multiannual financial framework (MFF) negotiations. The answer, responding to a question by MEP Pascal Arimont (PPE), signals the Commission's recognition of these organisations' role in cultural education, youth talent development, and social cohesion, but leaves key eligibility details to later implementation stages.
Mînzatu noted that the Erasmus+ 2028-2034 proposal, currently under examination by Parliament and Council, will be open to organisations active in education, training, youth, and sport. Music umbrella organisations may participate in programme calls if they meet eligibility criteria to be specified later. On the classification of such organisations as educational institutions, the Commission deferred to Member States, citing Article 165 TFEU, which reserves responsibility for education system organisation to national authorities, barring EU harmonisation. Beyond Erasmus+, the future AgoraEU programme—building on Creative Europe—will continue to support the music sector through its culture strand, Mînzatu added.
The answer offers no concrete funding amounts or deadlines, instead pointing to ongoing legislative processes. The Commission's proposals for both programmes are under interinstitutional negotiation, with final adoption expected before the next MFF takes effect in 2028. Stakeholders, including music umbrella organisations and national cultural bodies, will need to monitor the implementation criteria for Erasmus+ and the specific calls under AgoraEU to assess actual access. The response underscores the EU's limited role in education policy, potentially frustrating organisations seeking formal recognition as educational institutions across Member States.